EP4587271A1

EP4587271A1 - System for adjusting the pressure of at least one bicycle wheel and related bicycle

Info

Publication number: EP4587271A1
Application number: EP23772946.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pablo Benjamin MASAGUÉ; Carlos Javier PEREZ ARNABOLDI
Original assignee: Appcycle Di Pablo Masague
Current assignee: Appcycle Di Pablo Masague
Priority date: 2022-09-16
Filing date: 2023-09-06
Publication date: 2025-07-23
Also published as: WO2024057143A1; IT202200019014A1

Abstract

A system (1) for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle (100), comprises a compressor (2) configurable between an active condition and a rest condition, a first conduit (3) configured to convey a compressed fluid towards the front wheel (103) to inflate it, a second conduit (4) configured to convey a compressed fluid towards the rear wheel (105) to inflate it, at least one pressure sensor (5, 6) configured to detect a pressure value related to the front wheel (103) and/or to the rear wheel (105), a control unit programmed to configure the compressor (2) in the active condition as a function of the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor. The compressor (2) is configured in the active condition until the pressure sensor (5, 6) detects a pressure value less than an upper pressure limit related to the corresponding front wheel (103) and/or rear wheel of the bicycle (100). A further object of the present patent application is a bicycle (100) comprising the aforesaid pressure adjustment system (1).

Description

"SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING THE PRESSURE OF AT LEAST ONE BICYCLE WHEEL AND RELATED BICYCLE"

DESCRIPTION

* * * * *

Technical field

The present invention relates to a system for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle.

The invention further relates to a bicycle comprising the aforesaid pressure adjustment system.

* * * * *

Prior art

Nowadays, the bicycle has become an indispensable element in the daily lives of many people who can use it for pleasure in their free time and/or out of necessity as a primary means of transport.

Since its creation, as a function of the various purposes of use, the bicycle has continued to evolve in all its components - for example the frame, the wheels, the suspensions, the brakes - so as to provide its user with the best comfort and the best practicality of use.

Currently, in fact, there are bicycles for city use, for travelling rough trails, racing bicycles and many other types.

However, regardless of the type, all bicycles have the same critical issue: wheel maintenance.

Wheel management is a problem for all cyclists, as poor wheel management increases the likelihood of incidents due to punctures or due to poor grip on the ground.

In addition, especially for some types of bicycles (for example, racing bicycles and mountain bikes), the wheel pressure must also be adjusted according to the type of ground on which travel is intended: asphalt, soil, rocky, dry or wet.

Usually, the wheels are inflated by blowing compressed air generated by manual pumps or compressors which are couplable to the valve (generally a Schrader valve) present on the air chamber or directly on the wheel (in the case of a tubeless tyre) of the bicycle. However, the cyclists are not always able to carry the aforesaid manual pumps and compressors with them, as they are bulky and/or heavy. An example of the above is described in DE102013109215A1 , which describes a bicycle equipped with a compressor and pressure sensors which, however, do not ensure particularly advantageous yields and, furthermore, have a series of drawbacks and shortcomings which the present invention intends to solve.

Therefore, most of the time, cyclists are not able to adapt/adjust the pressure of the wheels at any time there is a need. * * * * *

Summary

In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a system for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle and a relative bicycle which overcome the problems of the prior art cited above.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a pressure adjustment system which is capable of allowing at least the inflation of the wheels at any time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressure adjustment system which is easily installable on a bicycle. Therefore, specifically, the invention sets the object of providing a pressure adjustment system which is portable and, moreover, capable of not interfering with the normal use of the bicycle.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle equipped with an aforesaid pressure adjustment system.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a system for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle and a relative bicycle, which comprise the technical features disclosed in the respective independent claims. The dependent claims correspond to further advantageous aspects of the invention.

It should be understood that this summary introduces a selection of concepts in simplified form, which will be further expanded on in the detailed description given below.

The invention relates to a system for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle.

In particular, the system comprises a compressor which is couplable to a frame of the bicycle and configurable between an active condition, in which it generates a flow of compressed fluid, and a rest condition.

The system further comprises a first conduit connected to the compressor and connectable to a hub of a front wheel of the bicycle and, furthermore, a second conduit connected to the compressor and connectable to a hub of a rear wheel of the bicycle. The first conduit is configured at least to convey a predetermined amount of compressed fluid towards the front wheel to inflate it, while the second conduit is configured at least to convey a predetermined amount of compressed fluid towards the rear wheel to inflate it.

In addition, the system comprises at least one pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure value related to the front wheel and/or to the rear wheel of the bicycle and a control unit connected to at least the compressor and to the aforesaid pressure sensor and, furthermore, configured to receive from the pressure sensor at least one pressure signal representative of the pressure value of the front wheel and/or of the rear wheel of the bicycle. In particular, the control unit is programmed to configure the compressor in the active condition as a function of the pressure signal. The compressor is thus configured in the active condition to inflate at least one wheel of the bicycle, until the pressure sensor detects a pressure value equal to or less than a maximum pressure limit related to the corresponding front and/or rear wheel of the bicycle.

That is, the adjustment system is advantageously capable of generating a flow of compressed fluid, preferably compressed air, conveyable in at least one wheel of the bicycle by means of a special system of through conduits for the hubs of the wheels. Thereby, the aforesaid system does not envisage any storage of compressed air to be used at a later time (the compressed air is produced in the same moment of need), nor does it envisage exploiting the movement of the wheels for the compression of the fluid (a limiting condition, as it would exclude the possibility of obtaining compressed fluid with a stationary bicycle).

In addition, as better explained below, the wheel hubs are configured to only allow the passage of compressed fluid between the compressor and the wheels. That is, the hubs are not configured for fluid storage and/or compression. Therefore, the system does not envisage the use of compressors and/or control valves and/or check valves inside the hubs.

In addition, the provision of at least one pressure sensor and the control unit in correlation with the compressor allows to be able to also manage the activation/deactivation of the compressor both also automatically and manually. In fact, the pressure sensor is advantageously configured to monitor the pressure value inside a wheel and/or inside the system (i.e., inside both wheels) and, therefore, allow the control unit to activate the compressor only when the pressure value is less than a lower limit value. Furthermore, thereby, the control unit is also advantageously configured to keep the compressor active only for the time interval necessary to raise the pressure value of at least one wheel from the detected pressure value up to a maximum limit value.

The invention further relates to a bicycle comprising a frame, a front wheel and a rear wheel each having its own hub connected to a front portion and to a rear portion of the frame, respectively, and a system for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle described above. * * * * *

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate, and thus non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a pressure adjustment system for at least one wheel of a bicycle, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 illustrates, according to a perspective view, a first embodiment of a system for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle; figure 2 illustrates, according to a perspective view, a second embodiment of a system for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle; figure 3 illustrates, according to a schematic view, a possible depiction of the variation of the pressure inside a wheel visible by means of a control display; figure 4 illustrates, according to a perspective view, a bicycle comprising a pressure adjustment system; figure 5 illustrates, according to a front view, a section of a hub of the front or rear wheel of the bicycle illustrated in figure 4.

With reference to the drawings, they serve solely to illustrate embodiments of the invention for the purpose of better clarifying, in combination with the description, the inventive principles at the basis of the invention. * * * * *

Detailed description of at least one embodiment

The present invention relates to a system for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle which, with reference to the figures, has been generally indicated by the number 1 .

Any modifications or variants which, in the light of the description, would be evident to the person skilled in the art must be considered as falling within the scope of protection established by the present invention, according to considerations of technical equivalence.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two possible embodiments of a system 1 for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle 100.

In particular, the system 1 comprises a compressor 2 which is couplable to a frame 101 of the bicycle 100 and configurable between an active condition, in which it generates a flow of compressed fluid, and a rest condition.

The system 1 further comprises a first conduit 3 connected to the compressor 2 and connectable to a hub 102 of a front wheel 103 of the bicycle 100 and, furthermore, a second conduit 4 connected to the compressor 2 and connectable to a hub 104 of a rear wheel 105 of the bicycle 100. The first conduit 3 is configured at least to convey a predetermined amount of compressed fluid towards the front wheel 103 to inflate it, while the second conduit 4 is configured at least to convey a predetermined amount of compressed fluid towards the rear wheel to inflate it.

Furthermore, the system 1 comprises at least one pressure sensor 5 configured to detect a pressure value related to the front wheel 103 and/or to the rear wheel 105 of the bicycle 100.

A control unit (not illustrated) is connected to at least the compressor 2 and to at least one pressure sensor 5, 6 and, furthermore, is configured to receive from the aforesaid pressure sensor 5, 6 at least one pressure signal representative of the pressure value of the front wheel 103 and/or of the rear wheel 105 of the bicycle 100.

In particular, the control unit is programmed to configure the compressor 2 in the active condition as a function of the pressure signal received from the pressure sensor 5, 6. In addition, the compressor 2 is configured in the active condition until the pressure sensor 5, 6 detects a pressure value equal to or less than an upper pressure limit related to the corresponding front wheel 103 and/or rear wheel 105 of the bicycle 100. That is, the system 1 comprises a compressor for generating a compressed fluid, preferably compressed air, conveyable in the front 103 and rear 105 wheel of the bicycle 100 by means of the aid of the first and the second conduit 3, 4. The pressure sensor 5, 6 is advantageously configured to monitor the pressure value inside the wheels 103, 105 of the bicycle 100 so that the control unit, connected thereto, is capable of automatically activating/deactivating the compressor 2 and only for the time necessary to return the pressure value to a preferred value or within a predetermined tolerance range calculated with respect to such a preferred value.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention illustrated in figure 2, the system 1 comprises a front pressure sensor 5 connected to the first conduit 3 and associable to the front wheel 103 and a rear pressure sensor 6 connected to the second conduit 4 and associable to the rear wheel 105. The front pressure sensor 5 is configured to detect a pressure value of the front wheel 103 to be sent to the control unit, while the rear pressure sensor 6 is configured to detect a pressure value of the rear wheel 105 to be sent to the control unit.

Thereby, each pressure sensor 5, 6 is capable of monitoring the variation of the pressure value inside the front wheel 103 and the rear wheel 105 separately and independently of each other.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the system 1 comprises a first valve 7 associated with the compressor 2 and, furthermore, configurable between a blocking condition and a flow condition.

In the blocking condition, the first valve 7 is configured to prevent the conveyance of a flow of compressed fluid. In the flow condition, the first valve 7 is instead configured to enable the conveyance of the flow of compressed fluid from the compressor 2 towards the front wheel and/or the rear wheel.

Preferably, the first valve 7 in the flow condition is configurable in a single condition or in a double condition. In the single condition, the aforesaid first valve 7 is configured to enable the conveyance of the flow of compressed fluid in the first conduit 3 or in the second conduit 4. In the double condition, the first valve 7 is instead configured to enable the conveyance of the flow of compressed fluid in the first conduit 3 and, at the same time, in the second conduit 4. Thereby, the system 1 is advantageously configured to independently manage the adjustment of the pressure of the front wheel 103 with respect to the adjustment of the pressure of the rear wheel 105.

That is, preferably with reference to the embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the first valve 7 is a multi-way valve.

Otherwise, comprising a single pressure sensor 5, 6, the system illustrated in figure 1 is configured to simultaneously and in the same way manage the pressure of the front wheel 103 and of the rear wheel 105.

Preferably, the control unit is programmed to drive the first valve 7 between the blocking condition, the single condition and the double condition as a function of the pressure signal detected by the front pressure sensor 5 and by the rear pressure sensor 6.

That is, if it is desired to set different pressure values between the front wheel 103 and the rear wheel 105 or if the wheels are at different pressure values and must be brought to the same pressure value, by means of the first valve 7, the control unit is advantageously capable of conveying the correct amount of compressed fluid towards the front wheel 103 and/or towards the rear wheel 105 as a function of the detection carried out by the front pressure sensor 5 and the rear pressure sensor 6.

For example, if the front pressure sensor 5 detects the correct pressure value of the front wheel 103, but the rear pressure sensor 6 detects a deficit of 1 bar of pressure in the rear wheel 105, the control unit is advantageously programmed to configure the first valve 7 in the single condition whereby the compressed fluid is conveyed only in the second conduit 4 and, therefore, in the rear wheel 105 so as to raise the internal pressure value by 1 bar.

In addition, therefore, the control unit is advantageously configured to keep the compressor 2 active for only the necessary time interval. Such a feature can be carried out thanks to a substantially continuous measurement of the pressure value by each pressure sensor 5, 6 and/or having previously programmed in the control unit an association between the time interval of use of the compressor 2 and the amount of compressed fluid generated in such a time interval of use of the compressor 2.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the system 1 comprises at least one front vent valve 8 arranged on the first conduit 3 and a rear vent valve 9 arranged on the second conduit 4. The front vent valve 8 and the rear vent valve 9 are configured to vent part of the compressed fluid present in the related wheel 103, 105 of the bicycle 100 so as to reduce the corresponding pressure value inside the wheel 103, 105. Generally, a vent valve 8, 9 is normally configured in a closed condition.

Thereby, if a pressure sensor 5, 6 detects a pressure value higher than a desired pressure value, it is advantageously possible to activate the respective vent valve 8, 9 so as to lower the pressure inside the front 103 and/or rear 105 wheel.

Preferably, the control unit is connected to the front vent valve 8 and the rear vent valve 9 and, furthermore, is programmed to configure each vent valve 8, 9, normally closed, in an open condition as a function of the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 5, 6.

In particular, each vent valve 8,9 is configured in the open condition until the pressure sensor 5, 6 detects a pressure value at most equal to a higher pressure limit related to the corresponding front wheel 103 and/or to the rear wheel 105 of the bicycle 100, or to a predetermined value preset by the user, always related to the corresponding front wheel 103 and/or rear wheel 105.

That is, the connection between each vent valve 8, 9 and the control unit allows the configuration of each vent valve 8, 9 in the open condition to be automatically obtained as a function of the pressure value detected by the corresponding pressure sensor 5, 6.

For example, similar to before, if the front pressure sensor 5 detects a pressure value lower than the predetermined value of the front wheel 103 and the rear pressure sensor 6 detects a pressure deficit in the rear wheel 105, the control unit is advantageously programmed to configure the first valve 7 in the single condition whereby the compressed fluid is conveyed only in the second conduit 4 and, therefore, in the rear wheel 105 so as to raise the pressure value thereof. At the same time, the control unit is advantageously programmed to configure the rear vent valve 9 in the open condition so as to reduce the pressure of the rear wheel 105 up to a predetermined value.

Therefore, the control unit is advantageously configured to keep each vent valve 8, 9 in the open condition for only the necessary time interval. Such a feature can be carried out thanks to a substantially continuous measurement of the pressure value by each pressure sensor 5, 6 and/or having previously programmed in the control unit an association between the time interval of opening of the vent valve 8, 9 (therefore knowing the respective flow rate value) and the amount of compressed fluid expelled during such a time interval of use of the compressor 2.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the front vent valve 8 and the rear vent valve 9 are interposed between the relative pressure sensor 5, 6 and an end of the corresponding first or second conduit 3, 4 connectable to the related hub 102, 104 of the wheel 103, 105 of the bicycle 100.

Preferably, in the first embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , the vent valve 8, 9 is associated to the first valve 7.

Preferably, in the second embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the vent valves 8, 9 are arranged along the respective conduits 3, 4 upstream of the compressor 2 and the first valve 7, considering that the normal flow path of compressed fluid proceeds from the compressor 2 towards the hubs 102, 104 of the front 103 and rear 105 wheels.

Even more preferably, in the second embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the vent valves 8, 9 are comprised inside a corresponding second valve, preferably a valve of the 5/2 type.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the system 1 comprises a control panel operatively connected to the control unit and configured to send to the same control unit one or more control signals for manually configuring at least the compressor 2 between the active condition and the rest condition.

That is, the control panel is advantageously arranged so that a user can send control signals to the control unit to manually change the configuration of the compressor 2 so as to inflate the front and/or rear wheel 103, 105 or the configuration of each vent valve 8, 9 so as to deflate the front and/or rear wheel 103, 105.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the control unit comprises a wireless communication module configured to receive and/or send input and/or output signals to a remotely connectable control panel.

Preferably, the control panel comprises at least one display configured to display at least said pressure signals and at least the lower pressure limit.

Even more preferably, the display allows to display the pressure parameters of the wheels 103, 105 of the bicycle 100, the configuration state of the compressor 2 and/or of the first valve 7 and/or of the vent valves 8, 9.

In addition, as shown in figure 3, the display is also configured to show further information useful to the user, for example a graph representing the trend of the pressure value of a wheel. In such a graph, the axis of the abscissa corresponds to the "time”, while the axis of the ordinate corresponds to the "pressure value" of the wheel in question. The central horizontal line represents the optimal pressure value preset by the user, while the upper and lower horizontal lines respectively represent the upper pressure limit and the lower pressure limit which must not be exceeded.

When the wheel pressure value is within the aforesaid range, neither the compressor 2 nor the vent valves 8, 9 are controlled by the control unit (unless manual commands are sent by the user or other parameters are changed - as better explained below). During use, the pressure value will tend to decrease (first descending segmented line on the left in the graph of figure 3). When the pressure value has reached the lower pressure limit, the control unit will configure the compressor 2 in the active condition until the pressure is returned to a value comprised at least between the desired pressure value and the upper pressure limit, at which point the control unit will again configure the compressor 2 in the rest condition (increasing segmented line on the right in the graph of figure 3).

Preferably, the display comprises a monitor directly connected to the system, for example with the compressor 2, and/or a remote monitor arranged in wireless connection (by means of the wireless communication module) with the control unit and, therefore, advantageously positioned on the handlebar of the bicycle. For example, the remote monitor could be an electronic device of the same user, for example a tablet or a smartphone, on which an application capable of sending and receiving signals with the control unit has been previously installed.

Even more preferably, the control unit of the system 1 is comprised in the user's electronic device, tablet or smartphone, so as to exploit the computing power of such a device and communicate with the system 1 by means of a corresponding communication module with and/or without wires arranged in the system 1 itself.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the control unit is programmed to calculate the lower pressure limit and/or the upper pressure limit as a function of a series of parameters, including: the type of terrain, the type of bicycle, the user weight, the size of the wheels and/or tyres.

In fact, each type of bicycle 100 (racing, mountain bike ...), each track and each user require different pressure values between the front wheel and the rear wheel so as to obtain the best grip and/or the best performance of use of the bicycle.

By way of non-exhaustive example, a track could be divided into four types of terrain: dry compact, wet, arid trails with compact terrain, rocky terrain (with many stones and obstacles).

In the event of compact dry terrain, the system 1 (by means of the control unit) is configured so as to increase the pressure in the wheels, in accordance with the weight of the cyclist, so as to minimise friction (i.e., grip) with the ground and, therefore, provide the ideal conditions for the bicycle to run quickly.

In the event of wet/damp terrain, the grip of the wheels is considerably compromised. Therefore, the system 1 will tend to reduce (with respect to the previous case) or nevertheless to adjust the pressure of the wheels to an ideal value capable of increasing the grip with the terrain. In fact, at low pressures, the contact surface between the wheels and the terrain increases to provide greater control of the bicycle. A path consisting of arid trails with compact terrain will have similar features to a path with dry compact terrain. In this case, however, it would not be advisable to generate excessive pressure in the wheels, especially in the event of an excessive presence of curves along the track. The ideal would be to configure a slightly lower pressure with respect to the first situation to avoid the possibility of losing grip in curves.

Finally, a path with rocky terrain is similar to a path with wet terrain. In the event of rocky terrain, however, there will be a need for greater grip and, therefore, it will be necessary to set a lower wheel pressure with respect to wet terrain. If the event of overly high pressure, the bicycle will jump on obstacles, causing it to lose control.

Also in the event of steep terrain, it is advisable to correctly manage the pressure of the wheels so as to prevent the bicycle from being uncontrollable during descent or requiring an excessive pedalling effort during ascent.

As anticipated, an optimal performance with the bicycle on different types of terrain and slopes requires a continuous correction of the pressure value. Usually, such operations require time and effort by the cyclist. The system 1 in accordance with the invention is instead configured to automatically, semi-automatically or manually adjust the pressure of the tyres, avoiding excessive intervention by the cyclist who can thus concentrate and enjoy their cycling experience more.

Automatically, the system 1 is capable of snaking all the necessary adjustments automatically, detecting the position of the bicycle in real time (by means of a special geolocation module pre-installed or present on the cyclist's electronic device), associating the position with a point on the track of which it knows the nature. The cyclist must have previously entered some data of interest, such as their weight and, possibly, their ideal pressure values (otherwise preset in the system 1 during production) and the related upper and lower pressure limits.

Semi-automatically some settings, such as the type of terrain being travelled, are managed directly by the cyclist in order to personalise the cycling experience.

Instead, all the settings are varied by the cyclist manually to fully personalise and manage the cycling.

In the event of manual and semi-automatic management, the cyclist will act on the control unit by means of a control panel, for example their electronic device on which they can display the parameters of use and vary them as desired.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the control unit is advantageously configured to modify the pressure value of the front wheel 103 and/or of the rear wheel 105 in real time, as a function of the type of route that the bicycle 100 is travelling. Such information regarding the type of path is automatically obtained by the control unit thanks to a direct connection with a navigator or with a similar application comprising the track and the related information of the aforesaid track: terrain, altitude difference, etc. .

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the compressor 2 is powered by a portable electrical source, preferably a battery.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a one-way valve 17 is arranged upstream of the compressor 2.

Figure 4 illustrates a bicycle 100 comprising a frame 101 , a front wheel 103 and a rear wheel 105, each having its own hub 102, 104 connected to a front portion and to a rear portion of the aforesaid frame 101 , respectively, and a system 1 for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel of a bicycle having one or more of the aspects described above. Preferably, as illustrated in figure 5, each hub 102, 104 has a cavity 110 obtained along the respective extension axis L adapted to contain at least part of a respective delivery tube 111. The delivery tube 111 is connected with the first conduit 3 or with the second conduit 4 for letting a predetermined flow of compressed fluid flow from/to the compressor 2. In addition, the delivery tube 111 has at least one hole 112 adapted to let the compressed fluid flow between the delivery tube 111 and the cavity 110. In particular, as also visible in figure 4, each wheel 103, 105 of the bicycle 100 comprises a secondary tube 106, 107 interposed between a hole 113 obtained on the respective hub 102, 104 and an opening present on the wheel itself so as to put said cavity 110 of the hub 102, 104 and a peripheral area of the wheel 103, 105 in fluid communication to inflate/deflate the wheel itself.

That is, each hub 102, 104 is shaped so as to allow the normal housing of the right and left bearings and, further, of the seals useful for preventing any leakage of compressed fluid present in the cavity 110.

In fact, the cavity forms a gap for containing the compressed fluid passing from the delivery tube 111 towards the wheel 103, 105 and vice versa. The delivery tube 111 , previously connected with the first conduit 3 or with the second conduit 4, is perforated to allow the passage of the compressed fluid between its internal volume and the cavity 110 in which it is inserted. In addition, the hub 102, 104 has an opening 113 to which a secondary conduit 106, 107 is connected, configured to convey the compressed fluid from the gap to the wheel 103, 105 and vice versa.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the cavity 110 of each hub 102, 104 is hermetically sealed so as to define a sealed chamber containing the compressed fluid at positive pressure.

Advantageously, the aforesaid hub 102, 104 thus modified functions as a watertight, positive-pressure chamber which allows the corresponding wheel to be instantly inflated or deflated.

Even more advantageously, the normal Schraders (or similar) usually installed on the wheels of a bicycle are useless (and, therefore, can be eliminated) with the use of the aforesaid hub 102, 104.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the compressor 2 is autonomously configurable between the active condition and the rest condition, regardless of whether the bicycle is in a moving condition or in a stationary condition.

That is, the aforesaid bicycle 100 and the aforesaid system 1 are advantageously configured to allow the inflation and/or deflation of the wheels 103, 105 both if the bicycle is stationary, and if the bicycle is moving. In fact, the aforesaid system 1 is unconstrained from the axis of the cranks and/or from the movement of the wheels. That is, it is not envisaged that the motion of the bicycle can be used as a generator for converting mechanical energy into pneumatic energy.

In conclusion, below is a non-exhaustive list of advantages which the present invention (bicycle 100 and/or system 1 ) is capable of ensuring: the compressed fluid is not accumulated and stored in any tank, but is generated in real time upon need; preferably the compressor is powered independently of the movement of the bicycle, for example with batteries; the action of inflating and deflating does not require the wheels to be in motion. The bicycle can be moving or stationary; in the second embodiment there are dedicated conduits (and further components) for each wheel so that independent and targeted adjustments can be made as a function of use; the pressure adjustment can be carried out manually or automatically; it is possible to monitor the conditions of the wheels and the other components of the system in real time; the pneumatic part of the system (i.e., the conduits and hubs) are constantly maintained in a positive pressure regime; the check valve (e.g., Schrader valve) in the air chambers of the bicycle has been removed, since this element is not necessary to be able to control the wheel pressures with the aforesaid system; each hub of the bicycle has seals which prevent the loss of compressed fluid so as to make it a component of the pneumatic circuit of the system at constant positive pressure; the electronic valves allow the user to finely and precisely control the correct or desired pressure, allowing air to pass from the compressor to each wheel in addition to discharging excess compressed fluid from the same wheel; thanks to real-time monitoring, the system is capable of identifying density variations and evaluating any air leaks, promptly alerting the cyclist.

Claims

1. A system (1 ) for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel (103, 105) of a bicycle (100), comprising: a compressor (2) which is couplable to a frame of the bicycle (100) and configurable between an active condition, in which it generates a flow of compressed fluid, and a rest condition; a first conduit (3) connected to said compressor (2) and connectable to a hub

(102) of a front wheel (103) of the bicycle (100), said first conduit (3) being configured at least to convey a predetermined amount of compressed fluid towards the front wheel

(103) to inflate it; a second conduit (4) connected to said compressor (2) and connectable to a hub of a rear wheel (105) of the bicycle (100), said second conduit (4) being configured at least to convey a predetermined amount of compressed fluid towards the rear wheel (105) to inflate it; at least one pressure sensor (5, 6) configured to detect a pressure value related to the front wheel (103) and/or to the rear wheel (105) of the bicycle (100); a control unit connected to at least said compressor (2) and to said at least one pressure sensor (5, 6) and, furthermore, configured to receive from said at least one pressure sensor (5, 6) at least one pressure signal representative of the pressure value of the front wheel (103) and/or of the rear wheel (105) of the bicycle (100), characterised in that said control unit is programmed to configure said compressor (2) in the active condition as a function of said at least one pressure signal, said compressor (2) being configured in the active condition until said at least one pressure value sensor detects a pressure value equal to or less than a higher pressure limit related to the corresponding front (103) and/or rear wheel of the bicycle (100).

2. The system (1 ) according to claim 1 , comprising a front pressure sensor (5) connected to said first conduit (3) and associable to the front wheel (103) of the bicycle (100) and a rear pressure sensor (6) connected to said second conduit (4) and associable to the rear wheel (105), said front pressure sensor (5) being configured to detect a pressure value of the front wheel (103) to be sent to said control unit, said rear pressure sensor (6) being configured to detect a pressure value of the rear wheel (105) to be sent to said control unit.

3. The system (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first valve (7) associated with said compressor (2) and configurable at least between a blocking condition, in which it prevents the conveyance of a flow of compressed fluid, and a flow condition, in which it enables the conveyance of the flow of compressed fluid from the compressor (2) towards the front wheel and/or the rear wheel.

4. The system (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein said first valve (7) in the flow condition is configurable in a single condition, in which it enables the conveyance of the flow of compressed fluid in the first conduit (3) or in the second conduit (4), and in a double condition, in which it enables the conveyance of the flow of compressed fluid in the first conduit (3) and in the second conduit (4).

5. The system (1 ) according to claims 2 and 4, wherein said control unit is programmed to drive said first valve (7) between the blocking condition, the single condition and the double condition as a function of the pressure signal detected by said front pressure sensor (5) and by said rear pressure sensor (6).

6. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one front vent valve (8) arranged on said first conduit (3) and a rear vent valve (9) arranged on said second conduit (4), said front vent valve (8) and said rear vent valve (9) being configured to vent part of the compressed fluid present in the related wheel (103, 105) of the bicycle (100) so as to reduce the corresponding pressure value inside said wheel.

7. The system (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein said control unit is connected to said front vent valve (8) and said rear vent valve (9) and, furthermore, is programmed to configure each vent valve (8, 9), normally closed, in an open condition as a function of the pressure value detected by said at least one pressure sensor (5, 6), each vent valve (8, 9) being configured in the open condition until said at least one pressure sensor (5, 6) detects a pressure value at most equal to a higher pressure limit related to the corresponding front wheel (103) and/or to the rear wheel (105) of the bicycle (100) or to a predetermined pressure value.

8. The system (1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said front vent valve (8) and said rear vent valve (9) are interposed between said at least one pressure sensor (5, 6) and an end of the corresponding first or second conduit (4) connectable to the related hub (102, 104) of the wheel of the bicycle (100).

9. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control panel operatively connected to said control unit and configured to send to said control unit one or more control signals for manually configuring at least said compressor (2) between said active condition and said rest condition.

10. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit comprises a wireless communication module configured to receive and/or send input and/or output signals to a remotely connectable control panel.

11. The system (1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said control panel comprises at least one display configured to display at least said pressure signals and at least the lower pressure limit.

12. The system (1 ) according to claim 1 and/or 7, wherein said control unit is programmed to calculate the lower pressure limit and/or the upper pressure limit as a function of a series of parameters, including: the type of terrain, the type of bicycle (100), the user weight.

13. The system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said compressor (2) is powered by a portable electrical source, preferably a battery.

14. A bicycle (100) comprising: a frame (101 ); a front wheel (103) and a rear wheel (105) each having its own hub (102, 104) connected to a front portion and to a rear portion of said frame (101 ), respectively; a system (1 ) for adjusting the pressure of at least one wheel (103, 105) of a bicycle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The bicycle (100) according to claim 14, wherein each hub (102, 104) has a cavity (110) obtained along the respective extension axis (L) adapted to contain at least part of a respective delivery tube (111 ), said delivery tube (111 ) being connected with said first conduit (3) or with said second conduit (4) for letting a predetermined flow of compressed fluid flow from/to said compressor (2), said delivery tube (111 ) having at least one hole (112) adapted to let the compressed fluid flow between said delivery tube (111 ) and said cavity (110), and wherein each wheel of the bicycle (100) comprises a secondary tube (106, 107) interposed between a hole (113) obtained on the respective hub (102, 104) and an opening present on the wheel itself so as to put said cavity (110) of the hub (102, 104) and a peripheral area of the wheel (103, 105) in fluid communication to inflate/deflate the wheel itself.

16. The bicycle (100) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said cavity (110) of each hub (102, 104) is hermetically sealed so as to define a sealed chamber containing the compressed fluid at positive pressure.

17. The bicycle (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said compressor (2) is autonomously configurable between the active condition and the rest condition, regardless of whether the bicycle (100) is in a moving condition or in a stationary condition.